Plant Gene and Trait 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 62-72 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 69 resilience of crops. In sugarcane, gene duplication has been linked to important agronomic traits such as sucrose metabolism and stress response (Bergès et al., 2014; Sforça et al., 2019; Mahadevaiah et al., 2021). For example, the duplication of the sucrose-6-phosphate phosphohydrolase gene in sugarcane and sorghum, but not in rice and maize, highlights the evolutionary significance of gene duplication in sugarcane's metabolic pathways (Mahadevaiah et al., 2021). Understanding the mechanisms and impacts of gene duplication can inform sustainable agriculture practices by enabling the development of sugarcane varieties that are more productive and resilient to environmental stresses. 8.3 Case examples of management strategies influenced by genetic studies Several management strategies in sugarcane cultivation have been influenced by genetic studies. For instance, the identification of genetic diversity and population structure using microsatellite markers has provided valuable information for conservation planning and the management of plant genetic resources (Panchy et al., 2016). This knowledge can be used to select promising parents for breeding programs, ensuring the introgression of beneficial alleles into modern cultivars. Additionally, the construction of linkage maps using markers from duplicated and non-duplicated regions has improved the integration of physical and genetic data, facilitating more precise breeding strategies (Sforça et al., 2019). These examples demonstrate how genetic research can directly impact crop management practices, leading to more efficient and effective breeding programs and ultimately enhancing sugarcane production. 9 Concluding Remarks Gene duplication has played a pivotal role in the evolution and diversification of sugarcane (Saccharumspp.), a highly polyploid and aneuploid crop. The complex hybrid genome of modern sugarcane cultivars, derived from Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum spontaneum, exhibits variable ploidy and a high content of repetitive regions, which complicates genetic analysis and breeding efforts. Whole genome duplications (WGDs) and segmental duplications have contributed significantly to the expansion and functional diversification of gene families in sugarcane, enhancing its adaptability and trait diversity. These duplications have resulted in the retention of multiple gene copies, some of which have evolved new functions or regulatory patterns, thereby contributing to the crop’s robustness and productivity. This study has provided several key insights into the role of gene duplication in sugarcane evolution and trait diversity. Firstly, the analysis of homeologous and paralogous gene regions has revealed the complex allelic interactions and expression patterns that underpin sugarcane's polyploid genome. Secondly, the identification of significant marker-trait associations through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has highlighted the genetic basis of important yield traits, offering valuable resources for crop improvement. The study has underscored the importance of purifying selection in maintaining the functionality of duplicated genes, which is crucial for the stability and performance of sugarcane cultivars. These findings have important implications for future research, particularly in the areas of genetic mapping, functional genomics, and breeding strategies aimed at harnessing the genetic potential of sugarcane. To further explore and exploit the genetic potential of sugarcane, several recommendations can be made. There is a need for more comprehensive and high-resolution genomic and transcriptomic analyses to better understand the dynamics of gene duplication and expression in sugarcane's polyploid genome. The development and application of advanced genomic tools, such as long-read sequencing and CRISPR-based gene editing, will be essential for dissecting complex genetic traits and enhancing breeding programs. Integrating genomic data with phenotypic and environmental information will facilitate the identification of adaptive traits and the development of cultivars with improved performance under diverse conditions. Collaborative efforts among researchers, breeders, and industry stakeholders will be crucial for translating genomic discoveries into practical applications that can drive the sustainable production of sugarcane for sugar, biofuel, and other bioproducts. By continuing to explore the genetic potential of sugarcane through these recommended approaches, we can unlock new opportunities for crop improvement and contribute to the global demand for sustainable agricultural production.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzMg==